ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD SAMPLING

With the increasing concern around PFAS, GEL Engineering offers expert sampling to assess the impact of these forever chemicals on a property and its inhabitants. PFAS are a complex family of more than 3,000 manmade fluorinated organic chemicals, some of which are no longer manufactured in the United States and others which continue in use. PFAS are also known to be persistent in the environment, accumulate in fish, and are harmful to human health and the environment.

GEL Engineering’s expert field crews have specialized training in the collection of soil and groundwater samples for PFAS to avoid cross-contamination of sample media from outside sources and ensure accurate and defensible data.

Stormwater runoff results when surface water flows over the ground or impervious surfaces without percolating into the ground. GEL Engineering can provide sampling, analysis and reporting to regulatory agencies. During qualifying sampling events, GEL Engineering personnel use automated portable samplers deployed at outfalls, activated by rain gauges, and later retrieved for analysis at a certified laboratory.

Navigating the complexities of wastewater sampling and analysis is crucial for compliance. GEL Engineering personnel can assist facilities in coordinating wastewater sampling, preparing necessary documentation, and ensuring permit compliance. Our experts specialize in sampling wastewater discharges associated with Significant Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permits.

GEL Engineering’s drilling services are designed to evaluate the environmental condition of soil and groundwater and to determine the need for further assessments or remedial actions. Our in-house drill rig and South Carolina-certified well drillers can install permanent or temporary groundwater monitoring wells and soil borings using rotary drilling or direct push technology (DPT).

GEL Engineering has dedicated field crews trained in the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for soil and groundwater sampling, analysis and reporting for landfills, contaminated sites, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) sites, and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) (Superfund) Sites.

Sediment sampling requires a host of specialized equipment, ranging from the vessel necessary to deploy vibracoring equipment to the actual sampling equipment deployed below the water’s surface. GEL Engineering has a full range of sampling vessels, from a flat bottom Jon boat designed to collect samples from very shallow waters to a 31-foot pontoon boat equipped with a collapsible A-frame designed to collect sediment samples in depths of 50 feet or greater.

GEL Engineering conducts sub-slab soil vapor screening, ensuring a thorough assessment of vapor intrusion potential from contaminated areas that may lead to toxic vapors entering a building. Our state-of-the-art soil gas surveys evaluate risks and offer solutions to property owners including design, installation, and operation of a vapor intrusion mitigation system, if required.

Proper waste characterization is essential for material disposal. GEL Engineering provides waste characterization services, including meticulous sampling and analysis. We also prepare the required documentation for submission to a federal or state regulatory agency to obtain approval for the disposal of the waste.

The procedures for low-level mercury are stringent and require special sample handling equipment, procedures, and laboratory equipment. GEL Engineering follows Method 1669, which mandates two individuals for sample collection to ensure accuracy and compliance.